Consistently ranked among the nation's most liveable cities, Madison,Wisconsin, is finally receiving its turn in the spotlight. Some 200,000 residents - many of them students at the University of Wisconsin -- call Madison home. And despite this large population, Madison has the benefit of scenic beauty and a small, college town feel. It's the best of all possible worlds in the heart of the American Midwest.

And the expression "the best of all possible worlds" applies in more ways than you might expect. Many of the city's residents hail from diverse cultures and represent a fascinating blend of ethnicities. That patchwork population stems partly from the presence of the university, considered among our country's strongest academic/research institutions.

Within Madison are an almost unbelievable number of parks -- 200 at last count - and four lakes. Gently rolling hills and heavily wooded areas add to the scenery. Using this natural backdrop to their advantage, locals are extremely devoted to outdoor recreation, engaging wholeheartedly in such sports as cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, ice skating, sledding, canoeing, golf and fishing.

If you've never lived in Wisconsin, you'd probably expect Madison's weather to be harsh in the wintertime. In reality, however, the city's average daytime winter temperature stands at about 28 degrees - probably not as "Arctic" as one might anticipate. Average yearly snowfall is 42 inches - generous, but not ludicrous. The other three seasons are when it's truly great to be a Madisonite. Springtime temperatures average 56 degrees; summertime temperatures, 81 degrees; and fall temperatures, a pleasant 59 degrees. So it's clear that while residents are able to enjoy all four seasons in Madison, they don't have to hibernate indoors for long stretches.

Madison's strong sense of community makes the city an enjoyable tourist destination. If you're planning a visit here, you'll want to immerse yourself in some of the activities shared by the locals, such as the Dane County Farmer's Market. Open Saturday mornings from May through October, this outdoor bounty offers the opportunity for visitors to stroll, sniff and indulge not just in bountiful produce, but also bakery items and strong coffee. Another suggested stop: the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a tropical conservancy and gardens open throughout the year. Call in advance to find out if any live music performances are on the agenda. Monona Terrace, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, offers beautiful views of the surrounding lakes (including Lake Monona), in addition to holding numerous performances throughout the year.

The University of Wisconsin campus is one of the primary highlights of Madison. The campus offers a tremendous amount of cultural opportunities for students, city residents and visitors alike. One of its most spectacular offerings is the UW Arboretum, comprised of 1,260 scenic, beautifully maintained acres. The Arboretum is the perfect spot for a stroll, a bike ride or a roll on your roller blades. During the winter months, cross-country skiing enthusiasts hit the snow-covered trails.

Also at the university: the Museum Mile, which contains six museums along State Street: Madison Children's Museum, Madison Art Center, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, UW Geology Museum, State Historical Museum and Elvehjem Museum of Art. Because museum-hopping is likely to make you hungry, you'll want to find a good restaurant. You couldn't be in a better city. Madison owns the rights to the title of city with the most restaurants per capita (not New York, as many of us have believed). Along State Street in particular, you'll find an astounding array of ethnic cuisine, providing you with an excellent introduction to the city's mix of cultures. While you're strolling about town, you may also notice an abundance of bookstores. Madison ranks second in the United States in per capita book purchases, indicating a well-educated populace.

Madison's economy is thriving, bolstered by a healthy economic climate, an abundance of skilled workers in the area, low unemployment and an excellent public school system. The high technology sector is growing perhaps faster than any other; employment in high-tech firms is currently increasing at the rate of 10 percent a year, according to figures provided by the City of Madison.

The cost of living in Madison is lower than cities of comparable size. Home prices run the gamut, from under $100,000 for more modest accommodations to $600,000 and up for spacious luxury homes. You'll find plenty of older yet well-preserved homes, many of them Colonial or Cape Cod-style with full basements; and yet, at the same time, as Madison continues its economic climb, new-home construction continues. The city's condominium market is thriving. Madison's residential real estate market accommodates everyone, from students on budgets to successful entrepreneurs. And due to the diversity in age of the local housing inventory, you're just as likely to spot a ranch-style or Mediterranean stucco residence as you are an historic home. The more expensive homes, of course, offer commanding views of the surrounding lakes and rolling hills - the scenery for which Madison is revered.

It's little wonder that Madison has received the title of Money magazine's "The Best Place to Live in America" (1996) and "#1 Mid-Size City in the Midwest" (1998). Although these two accolades are the ones most frequently mentioned in association with Madison, the city has received countless others from major publications, including one of the nation's "Best Cities for Women," "Safest Cities," "Great Places to Raise a Family," "One of America's Seven Dream Towns," "Best Cities for Working Moms," "Best Schools in the Nation," and "Best Places in America to Start and Grow a Company." With a resume like this one, Madison's profile is likely to continue growing ... while its property values keep pace.

Published: September 11, 2000

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